The Blues have lost nine consecutive matches since beating Montferrand 26-20 at the Arms Park on January 5, 2003, and a reversal of that trend against the club who mauled them 75-25 last season, will require a super human effort from Dai Young’s men.
The Blues have narrowly lost both their European Cup games this season, going down 26-24 to Sale Sharks in Round 1, and 24-19 to Leinster Lions in Round 2.
And now they will be without the services of Canadian flanker Dan Baugh. Baugh recieved a two-month ban for an incident in the Leinster match.
This all adds up to the Blues being heavy underdogs. And Biarritz coach Patrice Lagisquet is not just going for the win – he’s going for the jugular and demanding a try bonus point as well.
“We don’t have any choice,” the former France winger declared. “If we want to compete with Leinster for the top spot in this Pool, we have to aim to win both of these matches against Cardiff Blues and pick up a bonus point each time.
“We won’t for one minute think there will be a re-run of our victory last season – Cardiff are too proud for that. They will be out to try to avenge that defeat and we will have to be on guard.
“From their performances so far this season – they almost beat Sale and their match against Leinster was tight – they will be more agressive and altogether a tougher proposition this time around.
“We have had a good Christmas run in the French Championship, and we have been boosted by the return of three key players – Serge Betsen, Thomas Lievremont and Jack Isaac,” he said. “They have transformed the face of Biarritz Olympique since their return.
“Serge has had two great games in the wins over Montpellier and Toulouse since the end of his suspension and Thomas and Jack are in great form since their recovery from medium-term injuries.
“We are not 100 percent yet but things are getting better all the time at the moment. We are pleased to restart our Heineken Cup campaign at home this weekend because we have scored more than 30 points in every one of our home matches so far.”
